1978/79 GTS

[GTSPhil]

After some measuring, I found that the primary gear thrust washer was the thickest I had, so best I could get end float was this...


   


Then when I started to tighten the flywheel housing cover, the damn primary gear stopped turning, so obviously clearance was not enough on the gasket I started with at 0.82 mm for the idler gear.


   


So to the parts bin and I found another make of gasket from a different supplier from a gearbox gasket set at 1.09 mm, so after cleaning mating surfaces, re-applying gasket sealer and trying to tighten again, success.


   


And some new spring washers and flat washers later.....


   

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Decisions, decisions.... So I have my oil cooler and adapter for GTS clubman type engine block and it's hoses.  Clearly the oil filter adapter cannot be used on the GT block, due to this configuration being the same as Cooper S and early type of block.

After some phone calls I found some remote oil filter housings, I wanted to fit these with the oil cooler.  So prices ranged from R390 to R1000 for said remote oil filter housings, right then the pipe fittings again would differ from standard mini correct items.  I then looked at some pics online and realized that my current oil cooler hoses would have to be remade and nearly 4 times the length depending where the remote oil filter housing is re-located to in the engine bay.

So stuff this.  Found two Purolator oil filter housings, opened the first one and it is cracked right where the bolt fits from the bottom and did not have the pressure plate to keep the oil filter cartridge in place.


   


 The second one had no bolt and was still painted green.


   


Some paint stripper and cleaning....


   


So after cleaning both I can build one good one and YIP you guessed it the current oil cooler and hoses that I have can work and be made to fit the new setup.  Also sourced a new filter, but was almost taken for a ride by a local parts supplier wanted to charge 3 times the RRP.